Rivers Govt to shut down unapproved private schools

By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Government has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement exercise to shut down unapproved private schools operating in the state.

The Ministry of Education disclosed this in a public notice issued on Wednesday, stating that the exercise would begin on Monday, June 15, 2026.

According to the notice, schools that will be affected include those operating without registration and approval from the Ministry of Education, as well as approved private schools that have failed to meet their financial obligations to the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwaogor, urged proprietors of affected schools to regularise their status and settle all outstanding fees to avoid sanctions.

He stated that all private schools operating without approval and those falling below prescribed standards would be closed in accordance with the Private Schools Law and other relevant regulations of the state.

“The Rivers State Ministry of Education, through the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS), wishes to inform all private school proprietors and the general public that a statewide enforcement exercise on the closure of unapproved private schools will commence on Monday, June 15, 2026,” the statement read.

“All private schools operating without registration and approval from the Ministry of Education, as well as those operating below the required standards, will be shut down in accordance with the Private Schools Law and other extant regulations of the state.”

The commissioner further advised approved private schools with outstanding annual renewal fees to settle all arrears immediately.

“Only schools with valid approval certificates and up-to-date payment records will be permitted to operate,” he added.

Nwaogor also directed proprietors seeking clarification on the exercise to contact the appropriate authorities within the ministry.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) to maintaining educational standards, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding the welfare and future of children in the state.

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